Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: December 3, 2024

Purpose: Cabinet is recommended to adopt a new Cultural Action Plan for the London Borough of Waltham Forest, entitled ‘Developing Stronger Communities through Culture and Creativity: A Cultural Action Plan for Waltham Forest: 2024-2030’ replacing the Arts for All cultural strategy which was adopted and published in 2014-2015.  

Content: Cabinet: (1)           approve a new Cultural Action Plan - ‘Developing Stronger Communities through Culture and Creativity: A Cultural Action Plan for Waltham Forest: 2024-2030’ at Appendix 1 of the report;   (2)           approved the revised frameworks for Civic and Community events, and flag raising at Fellowship Square at Appendix 4 and Appendix 5; and   (3)           noted the Cultural Action Plan Year 1 Delivery Plan at Appendix 2 of the report.   Options & Alternatives Considered Do Nothing It is almost 10 years since Waltham Forest published its last culture strategy ‘Useful and Beautiful: Great Arts and Culture in Waltham Forest’.  This no longer meets the needs of Waltham Forest and does not deliver on Mission Waltham Forest. The absence of an up-to-date culture strategy decreases significantly the opportunities to attract external funding for our cultural programmes from funding bodies such as Arts Council England.  This option is not recommended.